Sinus Infections
Health Benefits

Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Naturally Treat Sinus Infections

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jem (Clueless, Il) on 05/16/2012

Since Oct 2011 I've been ill. Sudden confusion and weakness took over and panick from not knowing what was going on. My vision gets worse, liteheadedness, and balance was off. Even tremors would happen and this extreme pressure in my head. I do remember getting sick later on one time which was very odd. Seemed like a cold but sooo dry and painful. It took so long to get a little better. But even after I still had these strong symptoms occuring almost everyday.

I've been to ER over 7x with no answers. Seen doctors who'd only try to give me depression pills. NO THANX! I've tried everything from stores. And finally I've come to think maybe it's a sinus infection? I've never had them b4.

Found this site and decided to try ACV. The 1st day I did my vision blurred up. I didn't feel good at all. (Yes I made the mixture correct. ) I felt soo tired and just went to bed. The 2nd day I drank it 3x I was finally feeling pressure release from my head. I couldn't stop sneezin and my nose was runnin all day. I even had a fever. And today I feel like I can see almost perfectly. Still sneezin and whatever but I feel a bit better. Just can't figure out why my legs are cold to the touch.

Gona keep drinkin it but my guess is that if it is an infection it's pretty bad. Probly take awhile to get through it. I've lost my job in 2011 cuz of this. I can only work 3days a week now due to how this has taken over my body. I'm close to losin this easy job 2cuz I can't function normally. I've gained weight cuz how weak I am. IT SUX BEIN ME!!!! I'm only 28yrs old.

Hopefully this is the answer to my problems. If it is I'll be in touch. I'm so desperate for my health to improve I hardly even remember what it's like to feel like my old self again. I never had problems b4. Pray for me please!!!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Roly (Miami, Fl) on 05/10/2012
★★★★★

I have had a sinus infection with a fever for 3 days now I tried everything I dont know this was just a coincidence but I started the tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar every few hours with water like said on this forum and a few hours later I feel great thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jaylene00 (Ft. Lauderdale, Fl) on 05/03/2012

Thanks for sharing this! Only raw organic apple cider vinegar has the "mother of vinegar" that makes the vinegar so beneficial. The "mother" is made up living nutrients and bacteria. You can actually see it settled in the bottom of the bottle like sediment.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl) on 04/27/2012

George, check out the "Tomato Tea" remedy on the EC site too - another fantastic EC remedy for sinus congestion! I did both the Tomato Tea and ACV and my horrible sinus infection went away in a record-setting 2-3 days. Couldn't believe it! Hope you feel better.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by George (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 04/27/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Got a cold from my grandchild and it developed into yet another sinus infection. Woke up 4 mornings in a row with a pressure headache and yellow discharge. It was so bad I had to leave work early yesterday. I looked up natural remedies (hate taking antibiotics) and found some people swear by apple cider vinegar. This site helped the most. Wow! I have never seen anything work this well. Simply amazing.

I used 1 tbsp (or more) of raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized, apple cider vinegar with "mother" in a small glass of water every couple of hours. Found this at the health food store. I don't even know what "mother" is!

It is now 15 hours in - the headache is gone, I can breathe and my cold symptoms are disappearing. Note: I am also using chewable vitamin C tablets to supplement. I had to share this with someone. I have suffered with this problem off and on for years. Deviated septum sometimes clogs up 1 side of my nose. George

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Norm (Menifee, Ca, Usa) on 04/19/2012
★☆☆☆☆

I tried the apple cider vinegar mixture and it helped some the first time, but after that no benefit. My doctor had me on Mucinex, 4 pills a day for ten days and Motrin for pain. I'm still not out of it, but it's better.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pat (Lancaster, Ny) on 04/19/2012

I am on my second cup of ACV and HOT WATER... And The results are good for me. You can feel it cleaning your throat and breaking it up. I had my first cup 4 hours ago..... So far so good...1/2 cup H2o and 1/4 cup ACV.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Geoff (Bakersfield, Ca) on 04/18/2012
★★★★★

After one month and countless over the counter and even my trusted herbal remedies, nothing broke my sinus as this did. Raw local honey is the key, but be sure not to mix when the tea mix is too hot, this can damage the healing properties of the honey. Better to take it at room temp before or after sipping the tea. Enjoy!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katie (Daytona Beach, Fl) on 04/16/2012
★★★★★

I am also in Florida, we've had the roughest allergy season ever this year - most likely because of our mild winter. My son and I are both taking zyrtec in the am and claritin in the pm (our allergist said we could take them together). You can now buy them both generic, you can get about 3 months worth/90 pills for $20 at Walmart.

Please be careful with the antibiotics, my allergist prescribed me 28 days worth of them for my allergies and I got oral THRUSH oh, my, gosh - worst experience of my life. Very expensive to fix with top brand probiotics and I'm sure it will take a few months to get over, had to change my diet ugh and everything.

Anyway in addition to this, I've been drinking the _____s organic ACV (1 tbs) in organic carrot juice 1/2 glass, 2x a day. And it kills the fungus on my toungue for a few hours and since your drinking the stuff hopefully it's helping in my body somewhat as well with the probiotics.

Regardless, I mention this because I used to have to neti pot 2x a day intake because of my sinuses... Prior to the ACV but now NO post nasal drip!!! And we're still in the very heavy pollen season here in FL. Good luck everyone, I'm going to post in the thrush section as well...


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tiffany (Seattle, Washington) on 04/16/2012

I have had sinus congestion on 1 side for YEARS now - I could not get rid of it. Here's what finally worked for me - adding honey to the apple cider vinegar drink!!!! I use a raw, organic honey that has a thick consistency. I take 1 tablespoon ACV & 1 tablespoon honey in 8 ounces filtered water 3 times a day. I was just drinking the ACV (the kind w/the "Mother" in it! ) and my sinuses were definetely better, but I could tell I still needed more help. I had been avoiding adding honey bc I feared that my sinus congestion could be fungal and I didn't want to "feed" the fungus w/sugar. About a week ago I added the honey - and bam! - my sinus congestion is GONE!! Crazy, but there really is something miraculous about this drink - adding these 2 ingredients together!! I also feel more energy, am losing weight, and I don't even notice my mild asthma anymore!! You have to try this combo - truely incredible!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Holly (Buffalo, Ny) on 04/12/2012
★★★★★

I have to say that like many others here, I was skeptical at best. I didn't think that the ACV in my fridge that I use for cooking could do anything for my sinus pressure. But, when I woke up this morning with severe head pain, jaw pain and no way to breathe, I was willing to try anything (except calling the doctor for antibiotics that would likely result in a yeast infection, another round of medication for that, and a following week of stomach upset and mood swings). At 4:30, I used my neti pot and got some serious results, but still felt the jaw pain and head pressure. So, at 6:30, I mixed 8oz of water, 2TBSP ACV, 2tsp purified honey (leftover in the cupboard from when the tike was an infant). I sipped it like a tea, and felt the effects about 20 minutes later. I started alternate nostril breathing, in on the good side, out on the clogged side, and it really got things going. Then I tried the ACV treatment again an hour later, and I can breathe clearly. My jaw pain is gone, with just a little stiffness left. My sinuses are clear and I feel amazing. I also did an oil pull in between the two ACV treatments, but don't think I swished long enough because the oil wasn't white when I spit. thank you to everyone who posted their amazing results.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sbkymberli (Santa Barbara, Ca, United States) on 04/10/2012
★★★★★

I must say I was fairly skeptical when I read about the Apple Cider Vinegar cure for an acute sinus infection. In all of my 48 years I had never once heard anyone mention this, but after feeling absolutely miserable for 3 straight days I was willing to try anything.

I see by the feedback it doesn't work for every individual, but it does work for the vast majority of people (185 out of 200) and I am very pleased to say that it worked wonderfully for me.

Within an hour of drinking a concoction of 8oz hot water; 2 tablespoons ACV; 1/2 packet of Instant Ginger Honey Crystals and 2 tablespoons of honey I noticed the pressure in my sinuses was greatly reduced. 30 minutes after that I could breathe clearly through my nose for the first time in 3 days and my headache was finally gone. Although I wasn't suffering any longer I opted to get up in the middle of the night and drink another glass. Afterward I slept soundly through the night and feel really good this morning. I have been blowing my nose all morning and as the cure stated the mix did thin out the mucus and is now coming out. Will bring enough to work with me today (yes, I feel good enough to work! ) and be sure to redose if I feel any sign of a relapse coming on.

Thank you so very much for this natural way to alleviate my pain. If I can avoid taking OTC or prescription medications I ALWAYS prefer the natural method.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Vidalia, Ga) on 04/04/2012
★★★★★

I am a total skeptic by nature, but the numerous responses here to ACV for a sinus infection made me say Hmmmm....

Well, it did away with my obvious sinus infection...
For 2-3 days, twice a day, I did stove-hot water with ACV & local honey, sipping the cup for 15 minutes or so.... I also added cayenne & garlic.

No more green gunk from my nose, no more sinus pain & pressure, etc. Yeah this really works.... sign me up for the commercial.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lopez1775 (Orlando, Fl) on 04/03/2012
★★★★★

Thanks EC.. I read the post about 2 tbs of ACV 8 oz of water and some honey for my sinus infection. In minutes I felt the relieve of the sinus pressure in my head and ears. Thanks to all for the post. It saved me a trip to the doctor plus very expensive antibiotics.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erik (Denver, Colorado) on 03/28/2012
★☆☆☆☆

My sinus infection must have been different from that of the 183 people who have said on this site that drinking apple cider vinegar cured their infection or helped somewhat.

I had had a bad sinus infection for less than a week when I tried drinking the ACV. I didn't notice anything different after I tried it. So I would say that drinking apple cider vinegar definitely did not help.

The next day, miserable, very sick and exhausted, I did what I should have done a few days earlier, namely, I went to a clinic and got a prescription for antibiotics. I paid $20.45 for a generic, 3-day, 500mg Z-Pack and 2 hours after taking the first one I felt remarkably better. Today is day 2 and I'm almost back to normal.

In my case, modern medicine was the right solution.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Starlogva (Orange, Va) on 03/28/2012

Alicia - Clove is a spice. It's a dried flower bud and can be found at the grocery store.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alicia (Seattle, Wa) on 03/27/2012

The tea at night... One whole clove of what?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Delila (Tel Aviv, Israel) on 03/22/2012

After using all the treatments for sinuses, including Apple Cider Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar with steam and nothing seems to help consider reading up on systematic candida, with tons and tons of symptoms including foggy head and headaches!!! And by the way sugar and antibiotics aggravate the condition makes it ten times worse!!!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Helen (Milwaukee, Wi) on 03/17/2012

I'd like to try the ACV for my sinus infection and hoping it will work for me. However, I read a book about eating according to your blood type and it suggests that people like me with A pos blood type should not ingest vinegar. I'm hoping that all of you who have had success with ACV for sinus trouble would be willing to share your blood type. It would, at least, make for interesting research.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gail (Ft. Myers, Florida) on 03/16/2012
★★★★★

I have about had it with this sinus infection/allergy problem for the past 2 weeks. The pollen count is so high in Florida right now, and I have never felt so miserable. I love when it rained, for only then did my symptoms subside. Unfortunately, it only rained twice in 2 weeks. Eyes are watering, throat itching, face hurts and swollen, continual nose blowing and ears hurt. It reached its high point today. I am allergic to antihystamines so my options are limited. I could go to an ENT doctor, but I already know he would prescribe a strong antibiotic, which my body does not handle well.

So I went to the computer for natural remedies. I Mixed 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of honey in a cup of hot water along with one tea bag that contains ginger root and rooibos. (Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Red Tea). It is a soothing drink and not bad in taste. Amazingly, within 15 minutes my sinus' are clearing and I definitely can see an improvement. Thanks to all who posted this remedy. I think I will have another cup and then make a batch of it to have on hand for the next few days. I am looking forward to feeling normal again. Much appreciation to everyone. Have a wonderful day!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deborah (Phoenix, Az) on 02/29/2012

ok, I'm giving this a whirl; I've had sinus infections seems every year for the past decade... always had to get an antiobiotic to cure it, determined now to find a better way!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dawn (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 02/24/2012
★★★★★

I made a mug of Chai Spiced tea with 2Tbsp ACV and Honey to taste. I can breathe AND smell for the first time in 3days!! I will definitely be using this concoction until this sinus infection is GONE! If anybody is like me, I lose my sense of taste and smell when I get these infections, so the ACV doesn't bother me at all.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kevin (Conyers, Georgia, Usa) on 02/21/2012

Try adding in LOCAL HONEY. It has to be LOCAL or say LOCAL on it. Here is my recipe. 8 oz of hot water in a cup. 2 tbsp of ACV. 1 tbsp of local honey. - Usually completely cured in 2-3 days max. We have lots of trees out here with lots of pollen. It's not uncommon for us to get sinus infections and/or allergies.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rkrall (Irwin, Pa) on 02/13/2012
★★★★★

I have a had sinus infections off and for six years now. I had nasal surgery three years ago. It helped some of my problems but I still get the sinus infections at least three times a year. I have been on antibiotics for almost three weeks now. I felt somewhat better. Then the pain came back. I googled home remedies and found this site. I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and honey. It has already helped. It's been twenty min. and a lot of the pressure in my face has stopped. I will try again in the morning. Thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deborah (Coeur D Alene, Id) on 02/04/2012
★★★★★

Raw honey is a natural antibiotic, so it is important to use it in conjunction with the ACV.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deborah (Coeur D Alene, Id) on 02/04/2012
★★★★★

Whenever I get sick I make a hot ginger lemonade. This time I added the ACV and I couldn't even taste it! Too soo to report any relief, but here is my lemonade recipe: 3 to 4 slices of fresh ginger, 1/4 of a large lemon and honey to taste. Simmer the ginger in water to taste (the more golden the infusion, the stronger the taste). Pour into a mug and add the lemon and honey to taste. Of course, I also added the ACV this time.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jnd2008 (Central Ny, Ny) on 02/04/2012

I just wanted to report back that Apple Cider Vinegar still works just as easy and nicely now as the first time. Our whole family uses it now.

Things that our family has learned:

Everyone is different; one member of our family would rather drink 2 tablespoons of ACV mixed with 8 ounces of water.

Neti Pot works best for me, pass me 2tbl spoons of ACV in 8oz of warm water in the Neti Pot and I'm fine in an hour or so.

We first bought a small container of ACV thinking that it would last for years. But we now use it for so much that we only buy gallon jugs.

We are constantly learning of new (to us) uses for ACV.

We use it in cooking.

As our first line of defense for colds, skin issues or etc.

It can be used as a disinfectant in the kitchen or bathroom, after mixed with water the strong smell goes away, we still have Clorox cleanup around, but we use a lot less of it.

The main focus is that bacteria cannot survive in ACV, once anyone learns that, the conversation is over.

Enjoy some good reading here.

http://www.lacetoleather.com/wondrugpag2.html

God Bless All

James


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yogitha (Singapore, Singapore) on 01/24/2011

Which of these remedies is safe during pregnancy?"

02/03/2012: Kristys from Appleton, Wi replies: "Yogitha - I drank 8oz Hot water, 1-2TBLS. ACV and honey to taste while I was pregnant when I had colds that included sinus congestion. I had 2-3 cups a day usually. It really helps with stuffiness etc. I can convince myself that it tastes vaguely like hot apple cider so I can tolerate ACV this way - even with a sensitive stomach during pregnancy.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sarah (Orwell, Oh) on 01/26/2012

How long did it take to clear up, I"m on hour 3 and no relief.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Laura (Denver, Co, Usa) on 01/21/2012
★★★★★

Wow, this worked wonderfully! I suffer from multiple sinus infections every winter (has been going on for a few years now), and my symptoms are always sore throat, fatigue, fever, lots of sneezing, congestion and that weird smell in my nose (imagine trying to get classwork done while you feel so yucky! ). After being on antibiotics almost constantly last year and completely messing up the bacterial balance in my body, which ended up making me even more sick, I put my foot down and decided this year to find a natural cure.

I did what many others here did and put 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of hot water with about 1 tbsp of honey. My sinuses cleared right up- even my sore throat was gone! I will be taking more until I've gotten my sinuses completely cleared out, but it looks like this is the way to go. Thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Afton (Baltimore, Md, Usa) on 01/17/2012
★★★★★

Thanks for the ACV suggestions! It worked wonderfully! I battled sinus congestion for 2 weeks and was ready to go to the doc, but thought I would look for some home remedies first. I took 2 tbsp on ACV with 1 tbsp honey mixed into 8oz of warm water and chugged it down. It was fairly tart, but not so horrible and worked at relieving the pressure almost immediately! I took this again 6 hours later and one more time the following day. Super amazing and thanks again!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Snaron (Aiken, Sc) on 01/14/2012

Check for mold........ it can be life threatning.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tennessee) on 01/06/2012 490 posts

Donna, I have put ACV in boiling water & inhaled it, but these folks are talking about a tea, so it's a pretty sure bet that they are drinking it, not snorting it!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrew K (Seattle, Wa) on 01/06/2012

It's a Miracle. I've been having the worst headaches for the last two days, where two Motrin IB pills do almost nothing to help, due to a cold and sinus infections. Out of desperation, I went to this web site and read about the ACV cure. I did not have ACV, but only some balsamic vinegar, which I mixed with a glass of water. My nose stopped running almost instantly and the temple crunching headache was gone in 10 minutes. I can't believe this, amazing. Thank you.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Atlantiswaites (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 01/04/2012
★★★★★

I looked this up yesterday when my cold turned into a sinus infection. This is the third cold I've had in a month.

I purchased the ACV with the "mother" in it and also the grapefruit seed extract in pill form (it's combined with Oil of Oregano and also acidophilus) yesterday afternoon, took my first dosage then and a second right before going to bed... And the pain in my cheeks and teeth has already gone away!

Meanwhile, the mucus is continually running down the back of my throat now (which is both painful and disgusting) but you know what... It's well worth getting rid of that sinus pressure. I'm thinking I'll finish off the bottle of grapefruit seed extract (at a dosage of 2 pills 3x a day) along with the 2 tablespoons of ACV 3x a day and everything should be just great.

Afterwards, I fully intend to take my ACV at least once or twice a day to prevent any further issues!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wiseman (Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa) on 01/03/2012

Good day I just wonder if this will help me. I battle with blocked nose, sometimes the 1 side of my nose will be running non stop, then when I blow my nose yellow stuff comes out of my nose.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mcdanielak (Rochester, Washington) on 01/02/2012
★★★★★

I was an unbelieveable skeptic and I never believe things like this work, but I was desperate and I cannot believe it, but THIS WORKED. The taste is not the greatest, but if you are as desperate as I was, you won't care. After about 10-12 minutes my nose started running everywhere and then I blew my nose and loads of ICK came out, but I can breathe and the pressure and pain are gone. Who would have thought that 2 little tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a coffee mug of hot water would make such an immediate difference. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This cure is amazing and IT WORKS!!!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gail (Charlottetown, Pei, Canada) on 12/27/2011

I had persistent sinus infections for years, each episode getting a little worse until it got really bad. Started going to a naturopath for another problem (candida), and when I took grains and dairy out of my diet, sinus problems went away.

It is now 2 days post-Christmas... Over the period of the last month, eating some of my forbidden foods has once again presented me with a sinus infection. Am using ACV and oil of oregano... Seems to be working for all except the chills-- broke down and took a Tylenol a few minutes ago. Planning to have a detox bath later this evening (contains epsom salts, baking soda and ACV) just before bedtime and hope that it will give me a good night's sleep. The health food store where I purchased the oil of oregano also suggested probiotics two hours after taking and ACV or oil of oregano. Apparently the oil of oregano will kill the good bacteria as well as the bad.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joel (Aliquippa, Pa,) on 12/20/2011

I came across this site earlier in the week, and I found lots of good information, especially about apple cider vinegar! It is working! 20 out of the past 30 days I have been on antibiotics, and now I am fighting off my sinus infection (albeit slowly, but still... I am making progress without antibiotics).

Here are the following ways I have been taking apple cider vinegar (about a total of 3 TBS a day):

1. Add 1 TBS of vinegar to a water bottle and sip all day.

2. Add 1 TBS of vinegar to steamed, chopped spinach.

3. Add 1 TBS of vinegar to a cup or two of steamed peas (this was a family favorite of ours growing up - for some reason peas and vinegar taste great together).

4. Take 1 TBS of vinegar as a tonic. You have to like vinegar (which I do) to tolerate this, although even I find it hard on my stomach when I do this.

5. Add 1 TBS vinegar to a fresh salad with dark greens.

I also have been drinking this tea at night and it has helped immensely with releasing sinus pressure and chest congestion before I go to sleep. It also has been helping my cough:

1 LARGE CUP WATER
1 TBS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
1 WHOLE CLOVE
1 PORTION FRESH GINGER ROOT (CHOPPED)
1 TSP GROUND CINNAMON
1 TBS LOCAL HONEY

I boil all of this together. The cinnamon won't dissolve in the drink (it will collect on the bottom), but it really helps with the taste. This tea isn't bad tasting - I also would say it isn't the best tasting. But it is POTENT and has immediately effect for me. I think the ginger especially has been helping me mixed with the honey and vinegar.

I also have taken all dairy out of my diet for the time being as well as caffeine. I think it's making a difference.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dolly (Brighton, Sussex, England) on 12/19/2011
★★★★★

Well, what can I say?? A miracle. Have suffered sinusitis on and off for years and was in real pain yesterday, with guests arriving any minute. Found your site and dispatched husband off to healthfood shop to get ACV. Mixed it with honey and warm water; drank it down and within 15 minutes... No more sinusitis. Same today - here I am, sitting in a centrally heated room which would usually give me real sinus pain and, nothing, zilch. Thank you - will be revisiting this site if I get any other things wrong.



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